Okay, electrical problem got me stumped

[wbstanggt]

well, to start it's been a long time since I've posted but, here goes. The other day I was out driving and my dome lights decided they didn't want to turn off for some reason. I have tried everything short of getting a fluke and checking voltages. I've unplugged the interior motion sensors and the dome lights so the battery won't drain. Isn't it nice how they're all on one circuit. Anyway, kinda makes me curious as to why this is happening, short of taking it in under warranty, anyone have any idea of what is happening, or know of someone this has happened to? I've spent the time on search already, but nothing to do with this problem that I've seen has come up. And yes, I did plug it in several times just to check to make sure it wasn't something stupid like a door being partially opened. I suppose it could be a bad door sensor (?). Any help is appreciated. And yes, I surf through here pretty regularly still, I'm more a lurker then a poster. I pm people more then anything. Also, no heavy mods on my car. I haven't done much of anything other then exhaust and a cai/tuner from Brenspeed. Once again, thanks in advance.

 

[Art161]

I don't really have much of a clue. If the door sensor just thinks the door is open, the lights should still shut off after about a half hour. Have you tried closing the door and seeing if they shut off after a half hour?

As a somewhat separate thing, close the doors and open the trunk. See if the trunk light shuts off after about a half hour. If it doesn't, then you have probably narrowed it down to a sensor problem. I'm not sure if this is a really valid test, because I'm not sure if the passenger compartment lights and the trunk light have a common sensor.

Good luck!

Edit: I had the timer info wrong if the doors are open. The sensor should turn the lights off after 10 minutes. It is 30 minutes if you have the lights on by using the dimmer next to the headlight switch and 30 minutes if the trunk remains open.

 

[thump_rrr]

The dimmer next to the headlight switch must be turned up past the detent.
Roll the dashboard dimmer back a little to get it off the detent and the interior lights will go off. If they don't then try turning them off manually.
Do this with the car running and the doors closed to ensure that you're not running on the 30 second delay timer.

 

[wbstanggt]

lol good call on the dimmer switch, that was probably first thing I checked, kinda like an idiot check. The trunk definitly isn't open because the computer isn't saying anything about it, and it's pretty secure last I checked. Guess I'll be taking it into Ford tomorrow. The good thing is it should be warranty covered. Weird thing is though, with constant voltage you'd think the interior motion sensors would always be on. Did I mention I drove it for about 2 hours during daylight with the interior lights on? Those buggers get hot after awhile. I dunno if there is supposed to be a 30 minute timer or not, but if there is, it's definitly passing that one by. Might have to get that looked at as well. Thanks for the help, but it looks like a call to the dealership is in order.

 

[thump_rrr]

Has it rained recently?
If it has then I would check if any water got in the Smart Junction Box in the passenger side footwell.
If it is damp then there is a leak in the passenger side cowl area and it runs down into the SJB.

 

[mustangmike6996]

i had this problem one time where my window got frozen and kept the door slightly open and the lights stayed on....